FFAA’s main objectives today - To promote the responsible use of plant protection and nutrient products in Florida. - echoes the very concerns that drove the creation of the association when it was founded as the Florida Agricultural Research Institute.

To fill a research void, the state’s 11 leading fertilizer manufacturers came together in late 1932 to form the Florida Agricultural Research Institute. Pesticide companies joined the Winter Haven-based association in 1936. The purpose of the Institute was “to obtain, develop, compile and publish scientific and practical information regarding all forms of plant foods, their application to crops of all kinds, cultural practices and everything pertaining to good husbandry, to the end that better crops can be raised with greater economy to the grower, and that plant foods may be used with greater intelligence.”

As the years passed, the association’s focus shifted from conducting its own research on Florida commodities to securing support for state research through increased state and federal appropriations and corporate contributions.

For the last 78 years—through the aftermath of the Great Depression, World War II, the Korean and Vietnam conflicts, the Cold War, the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11th, 2001, and all the ups and downs of the economy—FFAA has worked on issues such as fertilizer research, promoting Best Management Practices, and lobbying for science-based fertilizer and agrichemical regulations. These efforts are designed to promote food security and ensure U.S. consumers continue to reap the benefits of agriculture: safe, affordable and abundant food and Florida production of biofuel, fiber and foliage.

Today the association represents the fertilizer, limestone, agrichemical and ag biotech manufacturers, dealers and distributors doing business in Florida.